St. Louis Cardinals Claim Tyson Ross Off Waivers

In 2018, Ross is 6-9 with a 4.45 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 22 starts through 123.1 innings. The 31-year-old Berkeley, CA native was reportedly made available in trade talks over the past several weeks, but no deal ultimately materialized before the July 31st MLB Non-Waiver Trade Deadline.

Despite starting the year off strong, Ross has ran into somewhat of a rough patch of late. A very solid first 16 starts of the season saw Ross bring a 3.23 ERA into the month of July, but he has seen that mark climb over the past month with just one quality start in his past six outings. Still, Ross’ overall body of work in 2018 suggests that it has been a successful comeback campaign for him, after the 2014 All-Star was riddled with injuries over the past two seasons.

Ross will be a welcome addition to a Cardinals rotation desperately in need of some depth as they attempt to hang around in the NL Central and Wild Card races. Carlos Martinez was recently placed on the Disabled List, joining Michael Wacha and Adam Wainwright who each have each begun throwing programs but are not expected back until late August. Entering play Sunday, the Cardinals sit 7.5 games back of the division-leading Chicago Cubs and 4 behind the Atlanta Braves for the NL’s second Wild Card spot.

Ross will join the Cardinals on the road in Miami as the redbirds open up a three-game series to start the week against the Marlins. The Cards have yet to make a corresponding roster move, but are expected to do so in the coming days to make space for Ross on their 25-man active roster.

Mike joined Last Word on Sports in January of 2017. He is currently studying Sport Media at Ryerson University, where he co-hosts the sports talk radio show 'Commish & K's' on SpiritLive.ca. Mike considers himself an all-around sports nut, and is an avid fan of the Vancouver Canucks, San Francisco Giants, Cleveland Browns, Phoenix Suns, USC Trojans and Chelsea FC.